Kampong Lecture Series

Join us on October 18th, 2018 at 6:30 p.m. for the monthly Kampong lecture series featuring guest speaker Germán Brun from DEN Architecture.

Native peoples noticed early on that the symbiotic interaction between indigenous species and their tropical habitat uncovered processes that allow them to thrive in often-harsh environments. Intuitively or not, builders of primitive tribes used nature as a template for many of their structures, while reaching their own conclusions through additional generations of trial and error. As a result, traditional dwellings in the tropics reveal an abundance of design principles that have been perfected through time.

In an age of globalization, the study of vernacular architecture might seem counterintuitive. However, a deeper understanding of context, both historic and natural, uncovers simple universally applicable methods that enhance current sustainable design practices, particularly in hot and humid regions. The work of DEN Architecture proves that these adaptive techniques are equally relevant to modern-day buildings. Through the firm’s design projects in South Florida, this husband and wife team of architects adds a fresh perspective to the discourse on contemporary architecture in the sub-tropical climate of Miami.

RSVP

The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. with wine and light bites. The lecture will begin promptly at 7:00 p.m. 
Admission is complimentary for members and $10 donations are suggested for guests. If you are not already a member now is a great opportunity! Join online or call 305-442-7169 ext. 100 
Space is limited. RSVP at 305-442-7169, Holly ext. 100 or Arlene ext. 103.

About Germán Brun, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, NCAR

As a graduate from UC Berkeley’s College of Environmental Design, Germán has been involved with sustainable design for more than 15 years. Germán won Berkeley’s famed John K. Branner Travelling Fellowship, and then he attained the coveted US Department of State’s William J. Fulbright Fellowship Program to Italy. Even though his architectural experience started with DMJM Keating, the depth of his knowledge and expertise on sustainability was acquired while at the South Florida offices of Perkins + Will, where he became the first LEED Accredited Professional at the 900-person international firm, and was the liaison with many renowned environmental designers such as Battle McCarthy, ARUP, and Busby & Associates.

At the community level, Germán served as Co-founder, Board of Directors, and Programs Chair of the South Florida Chapter of the US Green Building Council for several years. Intermittently, he shares his knowledge as Adjunct Professor of Architecture at both Florida International University and University of Miami, while also lecturing at other institutions such as The Wolfsonian Museum, Miami Dade College, and Florida Atlantic University. In 2006, he won the AIA Environmental Preservation Award, given to individuals with a proven track record in environmental stewardship. During his tenure as Partner and Director of Sustainable Design at Oppenheim Architecture + Design, he intervened in more than a dozen sustainably designed projects throughout the world. In the process, he worked alongside consulting firms that are among the international top tier in sustainable design, such as Büro Happold and RWDI. He’s eager to continue working on all sorts of projects, with an interdisciplinary approach that seamlessly integrates ecological concepts with Den’s unique architectural vocabulary.